COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY
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CONNE CTIONS
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
MEMBERSHIP
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YOUR CHAMBER
OF COMMERCE
YOUR CHAMBER
OF COMMERCE
PROSPERITY
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CONNE CTIONS
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CELEBRATE
TEXAS CHAMBER OF
PROSPERITY
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CELEBRATE
TEXAS CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE WEEK
A Great Business
Investment
OCTOBER 15-19
COMMERCE WEEK
OCTOBER 15-19
TEXAS CHAMBERS:
CONNECTING BUSINESSES & COMMUNITIES TO OPPORTUNITY
T
TEXAS CHAMBERS:
CONNECTING BUSINESSES & COMMUNITIES TO OPPORTUNITY
he great economic engine that is
Texas keeps churning every day and
because of the businesses that fuel
it we as Texans enjoy great places to live,
work and play. One key component in that
engine is the local chamber of commerce.
While often behind the scenes the work
of the chamber helps support and create
an environment in which businesses can
thrive. Beyond the work of the chamber,
however, there are incredible business
benefits and a great business case for
chamber of commerce membership.
In the past, chambers have been
viewed by some as socializing bodies
where business people come together
to network. Although still a valuable
networking venue, today’s chamber is
much more. In every arena from business
advocacy, to economic and community
development, to education and workforce
development, chamber’s fight for business
interest to ensure there is an environment
in which they can thrive. A little known
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CONTRIBUTED BY: AARON COX, CEO
TEXAS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EXECUTIVES
BUSINESS MATTERS | FALL 2018
fact, however, is the impact local chambers have on “the
business side of business”. Among these positive impacts
are increased consumer confidence and patronage both
of which are critical to business success.
The Shapiro Group, an Atlanta based research firm
surveyed 2,000 Americans and found that chamber
membership causes consumers to see a business in a
more positive light and increases the likelihood that they
will shop or purchase services from chamber member
businesses. Although these figures vary slightly amongst
size of organization and industry sector, the fact remains
that businesses that are members of their local chamber
garner greater consumer credibility, trust, and loyalty
than those that are not affiliated with the local chamber of
commerce.
Taking this notion a step further, the study found that
the greater the level of involvement of the company in
the local chamber (i.e. serving on the board, sponsoring
events, etc.) the greater the benefits. A company that is
highly involved with its local chamber sees that consumers
are 10 percent more likely to think that its products stack
up better against its competition and 19 percent are more
likely to think favorably of the company in general.